MERCEDES-BENZ GLC: MAJOR UPDATES

Mercedes-Benz GLC has had a range-wide update featuring revised styling, a new choice of powertrains and technological upgrades. The biggest news is that a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid model is coming, though not till mid 2020.

Mercedes GLC is offered in SUV and Coupé bodies that feature what the company describes as, “Muscularly sculpted surfaces and distinctive details such as the chrome elements, which run from the front to the rear end as standard. Redesigned headlights and a heavily contoured radiator grille ensure a strong character.”

For the first time, they can be ordered with Dynamic Body Control adaptive suspension. Customers are now able to choose from three suspension types, including Air Body Control.

A pair of Mercedes-AMG models continue to up the ante with dramatic performance and handling, paired with AMG-specific interior and exterior styling.

All GLCs have a 10.25-inch central touchscreen multimedia display, alongside a fully digital, customisable instrument cluster.

All have the impressive MBUX infotainment system, which includes the handy voice recognition package enabling passengers to say, “Hey Mercedes”, followed by their commands. The new steering wheel features touch-sensitive controls for MBUX, which allow the driver to navigate both digital displays using similar swiping gestures to a smartphone.

The GLC 200 features ARTICO upholstery, powered front seats, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, black ash open-pore wood grain interior trim, ambient lighting with 64 different colours. There are twin USB ports in the second row of seating,

The engine range begins with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine sending 145kW of power and 320Nm of torque to the rear wheels – an improvement of 10kW and 20Nm over the outgoing model.

The GLC 300 is powered by a 190kW/370Nm 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine mated to a 9G-TRONIC auto and driven to all four wheels via the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. It represents a significant step-up over the superseded GLC 250, with an additional 35kW/20Nm.

Safety and security features include nine airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), Traffic Sign Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist (passive), the PARKTRONIC Parking Package featuring Active Parking Assist with a 360° camera, keyless starting, and the PRE-SAFE accident anticipatory system.

The GLC 300 4MATIC variants match the GLC 200’s comprehensive specification and add wireless charging for compatible mobile devices, KEYLESS-GO with hands-free access, aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs, rear privacy glass, MULTIBEAM LED headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus.

It rides on 20-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, and and its Driver Assist Package featuring DISTRONIC active cruise control plus Active Steering Assist, Active Braking Assist with Cross-Traffic Function, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Lane Changing Assist and PRE-SAFE PLUS.

The Coupé model adds Dynamic Body Control suspension with adjustable damping, plus AMG Line interior enhancements including AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats, and an AMG steering wheel with a flattened bottom section. The AMG Line treatment also extends to the exterior with AMG body styling plus 20-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloy wheels with a tyre pressure monitoring system.

For the first time, the GLC range will include a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid from Q2 2020 with the addition of the GLC 300 e 4MATIC in the SUV body style. A dual drivetrain combines a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol engine (155kW/350Nm) with an electric motor (90kW/440Nm) in a package with a maximum combined output of 235kW and 700Nm. It will be able to operate for up to 43 kilometres (WLTP) purely on electricity.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC can be selected in both SUV and Coupé body styles. It has a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine outputting 287kW and 520Nm, pumped through an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+ has a turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 punching out a hefty 375kW and 700Nm via an AMG Speedshift MCT nine-speed auto.

Cosmetic enhancements include 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, an AMG front apron in a jet wing design with front splitter, flared wings with cladding, an spoiler lip, and a rear apron with diffuser fins and diffuser board.

Inside, the AMG Performance steering wheel is clad in Nappa leather and DINAMICA microfibre, while the seats also feature Nappa leather.

MODEL RANGE
Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 SUV: $66,100
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV: $77,700
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e SUV: $80,400
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe: $87,700
Mercedes-AMG GLC C43 SUV: $109,900
Mercedes-AMG GLC C43 Coupe: $117,400
Mercedes-AMG GLC C63 S SUV: $161,000
Mercedes-AMG GLC C63 S Coupe: $168,100
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Mercedes-Benz dealer for drive-away prices.